Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Why we love Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Love to escape the crowds? You’ve come to the right place: though it’s less than an hour’s drive from Glasgow, this national park is so vast, and so wild, that you’ll feel blissfully far from the masses. While the shores of Loch Lomond – Britain’s largest lake – can be busy in summer, there are pristine woods to explore, mountains to climb, and plenty of quieter waters to paddle, swim, kayak and cruise.
Indeed, the national park’s landscape is more of a ‘waterscape’: the long shape of Loch Lomond forms a natural divide within its boundaries, with the Arrochar Alps to the east, and the Trossachs to the west – a region of forest-filled braes (hillsides) and picturesque shores, including lochs Katrine, Achray and Chon. For strong-legged hikers and cyclists, the national park’s 21 Munros (peaks above 914.4m/3,000ft) are irresistible, though there are lots of gentler trails to enjoy.
Here’s how to have your own big adventure in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
Broaden your horizons
To immerse yourself in the national park’s beauty, head to the water. Whether you’re cruising Loch Katrine on the Sir Walter Scott steamship, or exploring Loch Lomond’s tranquil islets by powerboat, this is a soul-soothing, mind-clearing setting. Look out for special themed voyages for bird watching, hiking or sunset cocktails.
Head to the hills
To ‘bag’ a Munro is to climb it, and there are plenty of peaks to choose from: scale the southerly slopes of Ben Lomond (974m/3,195ft), conquer Ben Vorlich (985m/3,231ft), or test your stamina on Ben More – the highest Munro, at 1,174m (3,851ft). For an even bigger challenge, hit the West Highland Way: this 96 mile (154km) route weaves right through the national park.
Follow a fresh trail
A treat for walkers, cyclists and road trippers alike, the Three Lochs Forest Drive offers seven miles (11.5km) of peaceful waterways and woodlands – with a wheelchair-accessible route too. Look out for red squirrels, roe deer and ospreys, and don’t forget to bring a picnic. With a permit, camping is also permitted here.
Go wild on the water
Wild swimmers, you’ll love Loch Lomond & The Trossachs: there are plenty of spots for invigorating dips, but the clear waters of the Lake of Menteith and Loch Chon are local favourites. Paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and sail boats can be hired throughout the national park, while wakeboarding at Loch Lomond is a must for thrill-seekers.
Hang out in Scotland’s Alps
Whether you’re a budding Spiderman or a rock-climbing rookie, head to the Arrochar Alps – the peaks to the west of Loch Lomond – to scale crowd-free outcrops, summits and boulders. There are guided trips and routes for all abilities, while local activity centres offer ziplining, gorge walking, abseiling and more.
Learn a new skill
Trying a new hobby, sport or skill will enrich your holiday – so challenge yourself to do something unexpected. Maybe you’ll join a wildlife photography workshop, swing for one of the national park’s golf courses, or explore the constellations on an astronomy tour. To get your adrenaline pumping, there’s water skiing, river tubing and horse riding too.
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Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is an adventure haven 30 miles (48km) from Glasgow, home to 720 square miles (1,865 square km) of mountains, forests and lakes.
Hike the Arrochar Alps for spectacular views, head to Loch Lomond for kayaking, water skiing and sailing, or meet owls, falcons and eagles at the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre.
Immerse yourself in nature on the West Highland Way walking trail or enjoy seven miles (11km) of woodland walks and cycle trails, as well as wild camping, on the Three Lochs Forest Drive.
Marvel at the blooms of Benmore’s spectacular Botanic Garden, or enjoy local produce at Loch Lomond’s annual Food and Drink Festival.
Fun fact
Fun fact
There are 30 small islands in Loch Lomond, including the isle of Inchconnachan which is home an array of wildlife, including a colony of free-roaming red-necked wallabies.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Covering 120-acres of mountainside, Benmore Botanic Garden is home to a huge collection of plants including an impressive avenue of 150-year-old Redwood trees.
The Great Trossachs Forest covers 62 square miles (160 square km) of restored woodland, walks and cycle trails and is one of the largest National Nature Reserves in the UK.
Crossing country parks, lakes and mountains, the West Highland Way is a mighty 96-mile (155km) hiking route stretching from Milngavie in the south, to Fort William in the north.
Standing at 3,193 ft (974 metres), Ben Lomond is the most southerly mountain in the National Park and is one of the most popular for hill walking in Scotland.
Things to do in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Featured things to do
Island hoppers
Craving adventure? Hire a kayak at Loch Lomond, and paddle to the isle of Inchconnachan – which, believe it or not, is home to wild wallabies.
Learn more about watersports at Loch Lomond
Wild camping
With nothing but you, your tent and the natural world, wild camping is an unforgettable adventure. Though it’s permitted all over Scotland, at certain areas of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs you need to attain a permit between March and September to keep the environmental impact to a minimum. Motorhomes and caravans are welcome too.
Learn more about wild camping at Loch Lomond
World class seafood
All over the world, the name Loch Fyne is synonymous with superb seafood – and this waterside restaurant in Cairndow is where its story began. Tuck into light bites such as freshly shucked oysters and grilled langoustines, or treat yourself to the epic Seafood Platter.
Learn more about Loch Fyne Oyster Bar
Chills and thrills
With snow-capped peaks, frosty walks around the Trossachs, and fireside lunches in cosy pubs, the coldest season is a real heart-warmer.
Learn more about winter in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National ParkPlaces to stay in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Lavish hotels
The national park may be wild, but it’s home to some seriously swish hotels. Overlooking the lochs you’ll find historic retreats with fine dining, spas, golf and watersports.
Lochside cottages
You don’t need a big budget to stay on the waterside: there are cute cottages, forest lodges and glamping cabins dotting the shores of Loch Lomond and beyond.
Off-grid camping
Love the great outdoors? Ignite your sense of adventure on a wild camping trip. It’s legal throughout Scotland, but you’ll need to buy a permit (online) for certain areas of the national park between March and September.
Explore nearby
Getting to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
The national park is just north of Glasgow and Edinburgh, whose airports are its closest international hubs – around 40 and 90 minutes’ drive respectively. If you’re travelling from England, journey times are long (London is seven hours 30 minutes’ drive away), so consider rail or coach services instead: the direct train from London to Glasgow takes four hours 30 minutes, or there’s an overnight service to Arrochar & Tarbet.
Getting around
From trains and buses to cruises and the Waterbus, there’s a multitude of ways to get around on public transport. For hikers, many Munros are even accessible without a car – so you can relax and enjoy the scenery as you travel. For the latest timetables and routes for buses and trains, use the National Park Journey Planner app.
By boat
The Waterbus, a scheduled boat service, runs throughout Loch Lomond and Loch Katrine – putting their walks and attractions within easy reach.
By train
The southern stretch of the West Highland Line (from Glasgow) runs right through the National Park, and links up with the Waterbus at Arrochar & Tarbet.
By car
If you’re hiring a car, consider an electric vehicle: there are EV charging points throughout the national park, including on the banks of Loch Lomond.
Want to know more?
Want to know more?
Planning a business event in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park?
Planning a business event in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park?
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